MacGregor, part of Cargotec, has won a contract to deliver four 250-tonne heavy-lift electric cranes to two 12,000 dwt multi-purpose vessels for a Danish operator Nordana. As part of a fleet refurbishment plan, the long-established Danish operator, Nordana, ordered four heavy-lift versions of MacGregor's variable frequency drive (VFD) electric cranes which are scheduled for delivery during 2014 and 2015.

"Nordana is recognised as a specialist operator with a fleet of vessels able to carry a wide variety of cargoes," says Svante Lundberg, Sales Manager, MacGregor cargo cranes. "Our heavy lift cranes will add to this capability, meeting the operator's need to accommodate the increasing demand for larger and heavier pieces of cargo."

He says Nordana will benefit from the operational and environmental advantages of VFD cranes. "Most importantly, they deliver enhanced efficiency, mainly attributable to faster and more accurate load positioning which reduces the time spent in port, along with a 30 to 35 percent reduction in power consumption compared to electro-hydraulic cranes."

"Electric cranes eliminate the need for hydraulic oil, and with it, the risk of environmental pollution. With fewer moving parts, maintenance and repair is much easier. In addition, the life expectancy of the components is greater than with electro-hydraulic systems."